Thank you for waving at me as you tried to crush me with your car.....

One of the things that I love about my job at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson® is that we are an advocate for motorcycle safety & riding aware. That's why I jumped at the chance to participate in the Fort Drum Motorcycle Safety Day, representing the dealership.

At the safety day I spoke about motorcycle insurance, motorcycle tires, and the Harley Owners Group. They had other professionals speaking about riding safely as well - blind spots around tractor-trailer rigs, most common accidents, motorcycling myths, etc. 

Ironically, as I left Fort Drum to return to FX Caprara Harley, I put all those safety tips to the test. And sometimes the people who need to hear about motorcycle safety are the drivers (aka Cagers) behind the wheel!!

I was riding along on a 2-lane interstate and a construction zone had the left/fast lane closed off. So I'm in the right/slow lane and there's a silver sedan coming up on an on-ramp. With plenty of room, I was going to allow this car to get in front of me - but this guy had other plans.

The car started slowing down and I took that to mean that I was to go ahead and pass - so I did. And now I'm in front of the car, expecting to see him get behind me, and I'm watching my rear-view mirror to make sure that is what he's going to do.... but I don't see him.

And now the on-ramp/merge lane is coming to an end.... Where is this guy?? I look to my right and he's right next to me, smiling and waving..... and coming right towards me in his car!! I have no choice but to slow down and let this driver get in front of me - again!! 

What made it worse, I'm wearing my waterproof gauntlet gloves and cannot give the proper finger.... so I just raise my left arm and my voice to yell at him. His reply: lifting his arm out his window to wave at me.... Wow, really??

Then the interstate opens back up to two lanes, and I immediately speed up to 65, move over to the left/passing lane, and pass this guy. As I'm riding past this driver, of course I'm looking at him - as if I'll magically be able to figure out his motive for trying to kill me. And he waves at me.... again!!!

I'm not sure why this driver thought smiling and waving at me as he

tried to crush me with his car was ok. Was he mesmerized by a woman riding a Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide? Did he think/expect me to just move out of his way? Did he want a closer look at my bike without getting out of his car? Was he playing a joke - albeit a bad one? Did he realize what he was doing??

Whatever the case with this driver, I'm here to tell you as a rider, this is the stuff our nightmares are made out of and in real life it's not ok.  It is never ok for a driver to use his/her car to drive into a motorcycle and rider!! Please, for the love of all that is holy, watch out for those of us who ride!!! Thank you in advance!

We've come a long way, Mama!!

In light of Mother's Day, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite "Mothers of Motorcycling for Modern Day Women" on this blog. Not only because of "women power", "feminism" or the "gender pay gap" - but also because these ladies are just fantastic human beings who faced the odds against them, yet succeeded.

And, let's be honest, until this century women riding motorcycles wasn't considered 'the norm'. When I first started riding nearly all my gear was made for a man! Even back in 2008 (when I first started working at a motorcycle dealership) and I'd help out in the Parts department, I'd occasionally have a customer ask to speak to one of the guys because he didn't trust what I - a woman (gasp!) - had told him. [For the record, I did give the correct part or advice 99% of the time!]

But now the times are changing.... for the better that is. At least where women riding motorcycles is concerned. There's a lot more riding gear for us now, and it's fairly common to see a woman 'riding her own'. However, these are the ladies that heralded our motorcycling ways, way back in the day. In no particular order I'd like to introduce you to: 

Della Crewe and her dog Trouble

The year is 1914 - a time where women were expected to be polite and only speak when spoken to. Hell, we couldn't even vote!! Yet this young lady, already an experienced traveler, began her journey on her Harley-Davidson® from Waco, Texas the 'round about way to New York City, 5,378 miles.

Bessie Stringfield

This lady had more courage in her little finger than most people have in a lifetime! At age 19 she'd toss a penny over a map and ride to where ever it landed - crossing the lower 48 states six times. As a black woman, often she couldn't find a place to stay. This didn't stop Bessie! She simply rolled up her leather jacket to use as a pillow on her handlebars, rested her feet on the rear fender, and slept at gas stations.

Augusta "Gussie" and Adeline "Addie" Van Buren

As America was about to enter World War I, these sisters wanted to prove women could serve in the military as dispatch riders. So they set off from Brooklyn, NY to Los Angeles, CA. Along the way they made even more history by being the first to climb to the top of Pikes Peak by motor vehicle. Despite their epic and successful journey, even though they were arrested several times for wearing men's clothing, their application to join the military was rejected.

This is the 100th Anniversary Year of Gussie & Addie's trip. Their ride is being recreated and you can learn about that by clicking here.

Avis and Effie Hotchkiss

The ultimate mother-daughter bonding road trip!! Effie - a single, professional woman - was over-stressed. Given the 'prescription' to stop all work and be on rest, she bought a 1915 11-F Harley-Davidson® so she could see the vast countryside that she'd only dreamed of. After adding a sidecar that would enable her mother, Avis, to join her, they'd take daily trips outside of their home town of Brooklyn. According to Effie, it was Avis who came up with the idea of riding out to San Francisco, for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. And so they did, and then back to Brooklyn, a 9,000 mile round trip, becoming the first transcontinental women motorcyclists.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention:

Dorothy "Dot" Robinson

Considered by many as the "First Lady of Motorcycling", Dot was riding motorcycles before she was born (her mother was rushed to the hospital by motorcycle to deliver Dot). All throughout her childhood and into her adult years she was surrounded by the motorcycle industry. After she married, Dot and her husband entered endurance runs & races - despite race officials attempting to ban her. But is was during the Laconia National that she was approached by a fellow female rider, Linda Dugeau, about starting a women's riding organization. Within a year, the Motor Maids had been born.

So I'd like to conclude by saying "Happy Mother's Day" to these lovely ladies. They helped to 'give birth' to all the women riders we have today!!

Me and my 2004 Dyna Super Glide, taking the ferry across Lake Champlain

Please smile, breathe, and look twice - make that three times - before you go

Once again Mother Nature is smiling upon us living in Northern New York. But no matter where in the Northern Hemisphere you live - it is the time of year when Motorcyclists begin their yearly migration from the garage to the asphalt. Please - if you're behind the wheel of a car or truck - take a

moment to look for us!

I love that Kingsford Spring Grilling Ad:

1st Neighbor: Hal? Where have you been??

Hal: I was inside.... for so long.... There was nothing.... No yard, no grill.... Just white - and (with a shiver) COLD....

1st Neighbor: It was winter buddy - just winter.  

 2nd Neighbor (yelling): Somebody get this man a burger!!!

Just to be clear, it's not only motorcyclists that are taking advantage of the longer days and warmer weather. Walkers/Joggers/Runners are out on the roadways, as are those that are riding bicycles (too much physical effort for me!!). Of course the biggest difference between those people and motorcycle enthusiasts riding their motorcycles is SPEED. Obviously the later can go as fast or faster than the cars and trucks we share the road with, but don't take up quite as much space - making us harder to see.

Yes, motorcycles are noticeably smaller than cars and trucks we share the road with (thanks Captain Obvious!). Add to that the fact our human brains, when looking to cross a road with traffic, perceives only the absence of a car/truck and not the presence of a motorcycle. Did you get that?? That means a typical driver only sees the space between cars - not a motorcyclist in that same space - in areas of high traffic!


And the number of distracted drivers has increased according to a recent article by Kelley Blue Book. According to their study, a shocking number of 61% of drivers continue to multi-task while behind the wheel!! Even though all 50 states (and Washington D.C.) have laws that make it illegal to use mobile phones, the majority of drivers don't care.

Why do these distracted drivers think it's ok to multi-task while driving?? I blame the increased safety features - anti-lock brakes, front and side curtain air bags, lane departure and blind spot warnings to name just a few. They've sort of taken the 'being aware' out of the driving, giving the driver a false sense of security. Eventually there will be Self Driving Cars - but we're not there yet people!!!

Of course there are plenty of people that blame the motorcyclist(s). We show off by doing wheelies and other reckless stuff. Last year we heard about the Texas driver who intentionally hit a biker (see the video). He stated [when he heard he'd swerved and hit the biker], "I don't care."  In the video it is apparent the motorcyclist is passing illegally - crossing over a double-yellow line. But that does not warrant the driver deliberately crashing into the biker.

So, back to the main point of this blog: there are more people out & about thanks to the warmer weather, and we all need to watch out for each other - as human beings!! ALL OF US!!! Motorcycle enthusiasts and cagers alike: take a moment, or two, or even three and be a "looker." Know what's going on around you, be mindful of the traffic laws, and share the road responsibly. This motorcycle enthusiast thanks you!!

How do we reach out and make a connection??

As a kid, and on into adulthood, I've always enjoyed a good story - whether it be by print (books & magazines), picture (photos & movies), or by voice (song & poems/plays). There are real people with very interesting stories - think Amelia Earhart or  Bessie Stringfield. Then you have the people that tell a good story that came from their imagination - think Stephen King or James Patterson. And what makes them such good stories - both fiction and non-fiction - is that when I read, see and hear these stories, a connection is made (for me at least).

I recently found a very interesting "storyteller" site called The Selvedge Yard, and one of their blogs: Harley-Davidson • American Iron, Ingenuity and Influence. Here's an example of some of the story telling I'm referring to:

My mind immediately races back to the early days and the numerous innovations H-D had on franchising and branding. The following success of their notorious and ballsy “Wrecking Crew” racing team (that risked life & limb for victory on hostile dirt tracks and battered, oil-soaked wooden board tracks with dubious, improvised safety gear) further cemented Harley as the one to follow.

In part two of that blog, the author asks:

One nagging question that I still have is – how is Harley-Davidson connecting with the new generation of riders out there? Have they stayed relevant as a brand, do they continue to innovate (don’t say V-Rod), and do they have the same hunger and tenacity that got them where they are, and what will the history books say about this chapter of Harley’s history? ....... I’d love to hear from the riders out there– speak up.

Of course I felt the need to comment but unfortunately this particular blog was posted in February 2012 and is now closed to any further comments. So this blog is in comment to that one.

Admittedly, the toughest job of any business is to keep a connection

with their customers. The entire marketing industry was invented just for this very purpose! And they go to great lengths to make and continue that connection. Progressive, Budweiser, Dollar Shave Club - to name just a few - have had a largely successful campaign.

Harley-Davidson has had it's share of marketing campaigns that help to make new connections and keep them. Certainly Harley has a storied past to tell, going back all the way to 1903. Just looking back at their advertising we get a sense of that connection. "Wing Away! Free as the Birds" describes a time where people didn't fly, but riding a Harley made them feel as if they were. "The Eagle Soars Alone" is talking about when Willie G. Davidson and a group of investors bought the company back from AMF. "Air is an Air Freshener" reminds us to get out of the cubicle/cage and enjoy all the open-ness that comes with motorcycling. And my own ad I made for Father's Day, "The Founding Father's of Harley-Davidson created a Legend ~ So Did Your Dad," connecting the fact that we are all legends in our own right.

And now, with Harley announcing their newest campaign, #LiveYourLegend Campaign reminds us there is no "Someday" on the calendar. Life is meant to be lived, so why not start now?? If you wait for "Someday" to come around, you just might find that your life has passed you by.

If we are going to tell good stories, then we have to get out and get living!! (Or get busy dying at Stephen King said in Shawshank Redemption.) And by getting out and living, we make new connections with it all.

So I say, in a round-about-way, that Harley hasn't lost their connection with the people at all. In fact, in my opinion, it's the people who have lost touch with everything else. We're all making noise, trying to make a connection, that we've forgotten how to make the actual connection.

Now is the time to jump on our Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and get re-connected with everything else. That's what Willie G. did shortly after the buy back: just got out and rode across the country. Riding and having fun.

Cue Tom Petty - the waiting is the hardest part

Get it? Spring..... around the corner.... Hahaha!!

This might literally be the toughest time of year for motorcycle enthusiasts that live in the frozen tundra for six months out of the year. Lately, where I live, I've been getting teased with warmer spring-like weather one day, only to have the temps plummet to -5°F for the low two days later....

But, while we're still waiting, now is the time to start going over what you should go over on your bike before that first spring ride. There are quite a few websites/blogs that will give you mostly the same information:

1. Read your owners manual - you'd be surprised at just  how much information is in there!!
2. Fuel - hopefully you filled your gas tank with treated gas so that it would stay fresh. 
3. Battery - Harley batteries are sealed, so you don't need to check the acid levels. And if you've had your bike on a battery tender all through winter, you're doing good! Just do a quick check and make sure there's no corrosion building up. 
4. Oil & Filter - did you change these before you put your bike to bed? If so you're good to go. If not you should do it now.
5. Controls - check your cables for fraying and correct adjustment, throttle for smooth movement, pedals & levers for breakage.
6. Tires - where the rubber meets the road is the most important part of your ride!! Check for proper inflation, and that you have enough tread depth. Showing 'wear bars' on your tire but don't have the money to spend for your bike's new shoes?? Stop and think of the real cost that you could pay....
7. Lights - do they all light up?? Check that the low & high beam, running, turn signals, emergency and brake lights are all working.

Familiar with T-CLOCS? It's an acronym to help you remember what to check before going out on a ride - and it doesn't hurt to check out your cage (aka car) also. Here's a checklist from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation just for you!!

But, THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTION YOU CAN DO NOW IS to check over your Motorcycle Insurance Policy. "Oh, I've got the required insured amounts for my motorcycle - I'm good!!", but sadly you probably are not.

Unfortunately I lost a dear friend last year in a motorcycle accident. He and his wife (each on their own bike) had traveled to South Dakota and were celebrating the 75th Year of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally when he was struck by a cager and killed. Since then his widow has been an advocate for proper motorcycle insurance coverage.

AND know your Motorcycle Insurance Coverage

The person that hit my friend also had the required insurance amounts for her vehicle, that is the minimum insurance amounts, but nothing more. In New York State those minimum amounts are $25K bodily injury per person/$50K total bodily injury if more than one person is injured. Did you know that the average Life Flight (when the rider/driver is flown to the trauma center) is $15,000? Then add in emergency room, surgical suite, and hospitalization costs.... These minimum amounts have not kept up with the increasing medical costs. 

Sure my friend's widow could sue the cager that hit her husband, but chances are slim to none that she'd receive any settlement before the driver declares bankruptcy. Do you know the saying, "You can't get blood from a stone."? That applies here.

So what can you do? Check out your Uninsured/Under-Insured Motorist coverage levels. This is what my friend and his wife both have - and it's what saved her from financial ruin. UM/UIM is what kicks in after the coverage limits from the other at-fault motorist are reached. And all for what is usually a minor increase to your insurance bill - but again, consider the true cost of not having this type of insurance coverage .

Check out these articles below for more information. Or - better yet - go over your insurance policy with your insurance agent (or attorney) and ask him/her to explain everything!!

NY Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements

What type of Motorcycle Insurance Do I Need?

How much motorcycle insurance is enough?

Risk versus Reward and "Pucker" Moments

Customers will sometimes ask me how long I've been riding and my reply is always the same: It depends on when you start counting. Technically I started riding at age five - riding horses. It wasn't long after that I graduated to bicycles and dirt bikes (did I mention my dad wanted a boy?). In my teens I started riding street bikes but I didn't have the "M" endorsement on my license till 2009.... (oops!)

F.X. Caprara Harley-Davidson also sells other brands in our dealership - Arctic Cat, BRP - Can Am, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, and Honda motorcycles, ATVs and power equipement. So sometimes I'll hear about a customer's near accident, going into the reason they gave up riding a motorcycle. I won't forget the last customer I talked with (but he won't be the last) who told me that he gave up riding because of his job:

• Him: "I just couldn't ride anymore after seeing what I see doing my job."
• Me: "What do you do? EMS??"
• Him: "I'm a State Trooper." (who was looking to buy a new jacket to wear while riding his snowmobile)
• Me: "Wow - really??" 
• Him: "Yeah, the risk of what could go wrong on a motorcycle is just too much."
• Me: "But you ride a snowmobile now, and I know I just heard of a snowmobile accident over the weekend where the rider had to be airlifted out!!"

The risk of something bad happening to us just going about our normal day-to-day are probably more than I want to know. Slip and fall, kitchen accidents, something falls on you, poisoning (not by your spouse's cooking!), and choking - and that's all before getting out of the house. Then calculate in your commute to work, your work environment, and going out after work to dinner and a movie - we're just piling the risk on!!

I'll be honest, I've had a few of what I like to call "pucker" moments (because you usually get that "oh sh*t" moment where everything in your body tenses up - or is that just me?) while riding my motorcycle. And Bikers are quick to tell you: It's not a matter of if you'll go down, but a matter of when you'll go down. But there's one instance in particular that I really didn't see myself coming out on the other side. 

On a Sunday morning I was riding on the interstate, in the slow lane, on my way to work, and had just checked my speed - 72mph. Then, about 50 yards in front of me, my greatest fear jumps out from the grassy median in the middle of the highway: an adult doe.... PUCKER!!! I do a quick assessment: she's going uphill and not full speed yet and I'm in 5th gear about half throttle. I decide not to hit my brakes because I don't think I can stop in time - I twist the throttle of my bike instead and try to cross in front of her.

Now obviously I'm here talking about it, so it wasn't all that bad. But at the time, one of my thoughts running through my head was, "I don't think I'm going to make this...." And then my next thought literally was, "Well, at least I'm going out doing something I love!" This contest between myself and the deer came out a draw - I did get my front wheel ahead of her but she rammed her head into my left knee, spraining it. By the grace of the Gods, I did not go down on my bike. By the following Tuesday, ignoring doctor's orders, I was back riding my motorcycle, leg brace and all.

So yeah, there are undeniable risks that come with riding a motorcycle. But for me and most Bikers I know, the rewards are so much more. When we're riding our motorcycles, we see, smell and experience things in a completely different way. When you're in your car, looking through the windshield, it's like you're watching TV. On a bike the 'window' is gone - you're using your body to move the motorcycle, both hands and feet to control it. Riding a motorcycle you're completely in contact with it all. You're in the scene.

Add in all the friends you'll meet, some of which will become like family, and it's really easy to start to understand why I ride. Then I'll invite you to try it out for yourself - living life that is. Because doing what is fun will always come with risks, but the rewards are better than sitting at home on the couch. 

L to R: Queen Mother, Nance, Me, Black Widow, Halo and LoLo 

And, in case you think I'm the only crazy one, check out The Risks of NOT Riding a Motorcycle

Love In The Little Things

It may surprise you that even the stereotypical biker does love lots of things. And with Valentine's Day just the other day, I'm going to share five of those little things Bikers love:

1. The way it smells fresh right after a rain. Riding on your bike, not only do you see more than you do in your car, you smell a lot more as well. Right after a rain when the whole world smells clean and wonderful is a favorite.
2. Living in an area that sees snow and ice half of
   
   the year, Bikers love, love, love that first ride come spring time!! The sensation of having the bike underneath you, feeling the motor running, the twist of the throttle.... That first ride of the year is something we all anxiously await.
3. Going from one lean angle to the next as we negotiate a "S" turn. This is the reason why so many bikers plan rides down the Tail of the Dragon each year. 
4. The "Back Roads" - often when we travel it's not about how fast we can get there or even what the shortest route is. Bikers love the two-laned back
   
   roads with little traffic, lots of scenery, and an openness to clear your head. 
5. A good party with great friends after the ride. Of course you probably guessed that already!!